Destash Sale!

I'm cleaning out my fabric closet this week and destashing some extra yardage.  

I'm feeling like I want a nice clean start to the new year. 

My cleaning days can be your new fabric days!

Have fun browsing and maybe pre-spending your holiday $.  

Check it out here:   SHOP destash fabrics

Also - don't forget about the 20% sale 
on all sewing patterns at Owly Baby.  
Use the code HOLIDAY20
upon checkout.  


Happy shopping!

Best Holiday Dress - EVER! (and a sale)

So I've been whipping up a few "holiday" dresses for the girls and I know it's probably not right to gush about your own work - BUT - the LUCY WRAP DRESS is PERFECT for quick holiday-type sewing!  It looks fabulous, it's easy to sew AND easy to dress the ever-squirmy toddler. 

 Because I've had so much fun - I want to share the holiday cheer with you.  I'm offering a 20% sale on ALL sewing patterns in the shop!

  Use the coupon code - HOLIDAY20 upon checkout.  

Bundle deals not included.  Sale will run until December 24th for maximum sewing pleasure!

Happy sewing!

Quilt 3 of 4 - Finished

The third quilt is also a gift!

It was made using the "flying farfalle" quilt instructions via Film in the Fridge (here).  I used a large square (10") and added colorful scraps.  I used some Anna Maria Horner Flannel for the backing and it's HEAVY and WARM!  This is definitely a cozy winter quilt! 

It's fun to look at the little scraps and see fabrics from past projects, little snippets of fun and cute fabrics!

Quilt 2 of 4 - Finished

The second quilt is a gift! 

It's made with the fabric from my all-time favorite designer - Anna Maria Horner.   The block is called "broken dishes" and I think it looks great with the alternating white and colored fabrics.  The red and blue prints are my favorite from AMH's lastest collection - Loulouthi.  The brown woodgrain print is from Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2.  I used voile (AMH, of course) for the backing so the quilt will be extra soft and light.  It's heavenly to touch - soft as butter. 

upside down flowers - sorry!

It's already been gift wrapped.  I was afraid that if I waited to wrap it I would become too attached to this quilt!

Quilt 1 of 4 - Finished!

I think I mentioned that I caught the quilting bug.  I'm still going strong on the quilting front and I'm having lots of fun! 

Here are the lastest quilts I've made:

The first is a baby quilt for sale (at a local shop - MOTHER GOOSE, in Northfield, MN).  The fabrics are from Urban Chicks "Dream On" Collection.  This quilt used 2 charm packs to make (minus 3 squares). 

The colors look awfully bright in the photos but the quilt in person is more muted in color (like the first photo).  It's bound in Kona Canary and the backing is a fabric from Anna Maria Horner's Chocolate Lollipop Collection. 

It was very fun to play with the half square triangles and if you look very closely - you can see that I put them in "warm" and "cool" square sets.

Black Friday Sale!

Now that everyone is stuffed with turkey and pie, it's time to sit down at the computer and sewing machine and get to work on those Christmas outfits!!  If you're in the mood for a new sewing pattern to liven the wardrobe - now's the time to buy!

40% off all sewing patterns 

with the coupon code 

BLACKFRIDAY40

(Bundle deals not included in black Friday sale. Coupon code valid until 10am Saturday.)

Shop HERE!

City Jumper Pattern - Now available!

I've finally finished up the new pattern - thanks to my wonderful testers!  The pattern will be available for sale at 50% discount for the first 10 buyers (sale price is listed).  Here it is! 

The City Jumper 

It has large pockets, lots of piping, a zipper closure and it's perfect for the upcoming holiday season!  Layer it with tights and a long sleeved shirt!

She's so happy to be modeling for the first time!

 

 Great for layering!

Pockets for all your special treasures!

 How cute is that little one!?  

I just want to pinch her little cheeks and make her 5 more dresses!

Here is the pattern description:

This jumper brings backs memories of back-to-school outfits, trips to the zoo and everywhere in between. The easy fit, a-line style allows for layering long sleeved shirts underneath or your favorite cardigan on top. With a partial lining, centered back zipper, optional pockets and plenty of piping, this little jumper is a cinch to sew. It looks great with plaids or showcasing your favorite print in the center panel.

This is an intermediate level sewing pattern and tutorial.

You will receive via email:
-the pattern for sizes 6m, 12m, 18m, 2t, 3t, 4, 5
-step-by-step written directions to create the jumper
-over 16 full photo illustrating sewing steps, including the center back zipper, partial lining, applying piping and a very neat armhole finishing technique
-dress style options (with/without pockets, with/without piping
-personal sewing support via email


See the FABRIC REQUIREMENTS, FIT GUIDE, etc... HERE:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9sOXr2ZEL8TZmY0OTQxYTMtMTY3ZC00ZmEyLWFiM2MtNzI3NzI3YjJiNzEw

CLICK HERE TO BUY IT NOW, 50% off!

Happy Friday everyone!

(now - just to see if you noticed and because it's driving me crazy- is there anything amiss with the black and white sample?  Did you notice it in 3 sec. flat like my hubby?)

Geese in Ring Quilt Bee Blocks - DONE!

I'm finally finished with my Geese in Ring Blocks!  Here they are!

 Plums and Purples block.  This one was the hardest for me as I don't have many purples or plum fabrics.

 This one is for Valkryie.  She said we could do whatever we wanted.  It's a semi-rainbow.

 

This one is yellows, blues and greens.  I found that almost all of my blues are light blue or turquoise.  I suppose that's something to work on stash-wise!

 This is another rainbow block!

 This block is orange, yellow and green.  She wanted repeating colors if I remember correctly.  I hope everyone likes their blocks!!

 This was my test block but I'm sending it in as a rainbow block.  I don't know if I should pick who gets which rainbow block or let them pick their blocks on flickr.  

 

This is the last block.  Another rainbow.  They're pretty when you put them all together.  I never have any idea where to place the pinks and browns.  

I had a fun time making these blocks and I'm excited to have them all done.  I like to think that a piece of my handiwork will be in quilts across the world!  Thanks to all the other ladies who participated in the swap also.  I'll be making a nice lap quilt with a rainbow sashing (that's the plan so far).

Calling all pattern testers!

I have 2 new patterns that I've been working on.  Late at night you can find me at the computer with the scanner, photos, measuring tape and a snack.  I've been working on grading the pattern pieces and now I'm moving on to writing the instructions.

The first pattern is an a-line jumper for sizes 6m to girls 5.  It includes optional piping and pockets, a partial lining (not shown), and a centered back zipper.

Here is one version:

Here is another version:

The second pattern available for testing is a romper for babies 3 months to 24 months.  It has an elasticized waist, narrow bias binding straps and snaps between the legs for easy changing. 

BECOME A TESTER
If you're interested in testing either (or both) of these new patterns - just send an email to owlybaby@yahoo.com

To be a pattern tester all you need to do is:
1) sew the garment according to the instructions using your own materials
2) make notes of any spelling errors, missing instructions or confusing steps
3) fill out a pattern review document (about the fit of the garment, etc.)

P.S. You don't need to be a master seamstress or do anything especially difficult.  I prefer "regular" pattern testers that accurately represent the customer base of Owly Baby.   Thanks so much!!!

PHOTOS
If you would like your photo to be the cover photo - try to take the photo in natural light with an uncluttered background.  Photos taken outside or against a blank wall look best. Also - try to highlight the garment (not the model).  Close ups or interesting angles usually work for this.

I'll need written permission to use your photo on Etsy or on the cover of the print version.  I'll also send you 3 PATTERNS of your choice from Owly Baby.

Weekend Getaway

In my dreams the getaway was the sewing summit, but a winery is a wonderful second!  My mom, sister and I spent some time learning about wine and relaxing in Wisconsin. 

 

 I had just finished knitting my first cardigan - the Larch by Amy Christoffers.  It got some heavy use this weekend!  Unfortunately in the best photo of my sweater - I'm also pumping.

 The winery was beautiful.  There were horses, chickens, grapes, and lots of wine to taste!  I discovered that I enjoy port wines, the type of wine that has brandy mixed in during the aging.  My mom and sister liked ports and zinfandels. 

CHEERS!

:: On the work table ::

A jumper in progress.

It will be a new pattern sometime in the future.  I really hope sooner rather than later.

The center front is still a bit too wide (at the top) and the back requires some minor adjustments to allow for the zipper.  Otherwise I like it and Lucy LOVES the pockets.  What do you think?

Not sure if this counts, but on the work - floor there is another quilt in progress.  Christmas gift making is already in full swing around here.  It's a broken dishes block put together with some beautiful Anna Maria Horner Loulouthi fabrics, some solids and one Joel Dewberry Aviary 2.

Happy sewing everyone!

Quilting Bee Blocks (October)

I have just finished my first two blocks for the Bits and Pieces quilting bee! 

The blocks had pre-cut fabrics and all I had to do was sew and press.  I was so excited to start piecing that I left the dirty dishes in the sink and the clean clothes in the laundry basket.  The laundry will probably wrinkle now - ugh!

The string blocks look great together and you can really see how the lattice effect will come through with the white sashing.  Great color choices by Rachel!

Now - back to that laundry!

Bicycles Quilt

Things have been moving around here!  I started and finished Hattie's Bicycles quilt.  She told me that it was her favorite quilt ever!  It's my favorite too!  I used Heather Ross' Bicycles print, some pink scraps and a bit of Flea Market Fancy.

It has nine wonky stars with glow-in-the-dark hand quilting.  I added the strips at the top and bottom to make it a crib size quilt.  Here are a few more photos - just because it's my favorite quilt ever!!

I love gingham backing.  It's very soft and home-y.  Is that a word?

I also ran Twin Cities Marathon this weekend with my sister.  She beat me by 11 minutes - that stinker!  We're still smiling at the end so the event was a success.

 There we are in the center with our names on our shirts!  Becky and Vicky. 

 The speedy little sis.

I've also been sewing up a storm.  I'm working on a few new patterns (dresses, of course).  I've also sewn a custom quilt, pillows and bed skirt for a soon-to-arrive baby, some simple curtains for the church nursery, and a class set of chair-back bags/organizers for a local school.  Whew!  In between these crafts I've managed to begin some Christmas gifts.  I think I'm planning on an entirely handmade Christmas so it's good that I've already started!  Anyone else planning a handmade Christmas?  Tips?

I've completely forgotten about Halloween and have to come up with some costume ideas.  Our family of gnomes last year will be hard to beat.  I think animals might be easy with some sort of sweatshirt embellishment?